PoC to Production
VIDEO WITH LIVE Q&A

From Proof-of-Concept to Production: Bridging the Gap in Scientific Software Development

Thursday, May 7th 2026 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm EST

Overview

The rise of the open-source scientific Python community has transformed how researchers develop computational tools. Today, chemists and materials scientists routinely use automation, predictive modeling, and AI-driven analysis to accelerate their work.

But for many R&D leaders, this grassroots innovation is creating a hidden digital gap. As researchers increasingly rely on AI to rapidly vibe code proof-of-concept (PoC) applications, the distance between a promising prototype and a robust, maintainable production system is wider than ever.

In this exclusive premiere of his featured ACS Spring 2026 presentation, Ben Luginbuhl, PhD, identifies the root causes of these challenges. He clarifies the key differences between PoCs and production-ready systems and shares proven strategies for converting grassroots innovation into lasting business impact.

By attending this Premiere, you’ll be able to:

  • Cut through the Vibe Coding hype: Understand how AI tools are accelerating PoCs while potentially hiding serious engineering risks
  • Identify the Shadow Software Trap: Recognize when R&D teams are overestimating their ability to scale tools, creating long-term business risks
  • Bridge the Production Gap: Gain a working framework to move from experimental, one-off code to sustainable, production-grade scientific software
  • Engage with the Experts: Ben and the Enthought team will be live in the chat during the broadcast to answer your specific technical and strategic questions

The Premiere Experience:

  • Format: YouTube Premiere (Pre-recorded video with Live Expert Chat)
  • Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
  • Time: 12:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM CT

Can’t attend live? No worries, we will send the recording and the Resource Bundle to all registrants

Exclusive Resource Bundle: 

All registrants will receive a curated Resource Bundle immediately following the premiere, including the full presentation slide deck, an executive summary of the PoC-to-Production framework, and a list of R&D-relevant citations.

This Premiere is for R&D leaders and practitioners navigating digital transformation, including:

  • R&D Managers, Directors, and Executives
  • R&D Technology/Innovation Officers
  • Digital Transformation & Informatics Leads
  • Senior Materials Scientists and Chemists

Meet the Speaker: 

GET NOTIFIED

Registration coming soon
Ben_Luginbuhl-shirt-HiRes

Ben Luginbuhl, PhD

Senior Scientific Software Developer, Enthought Inc.

Ben Luginbuhl is a Senior Scientific Software Developer at Enthought, where he bridges the gap between high-level research and production-grade engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Northern Arizona University. During his graduate research on the physics of organic semiconductor devices, Ben discovered a passion for automating data collection and analysis, leading him to master Python and transition from the lab to scientific software development. Today, he specializes in building custom digital pipelines for specialty chemical companies and training the next generation of researchers to do the same. 


Enthought helps companies all over the world solve complex data challenges unique to enterprise scientific R&D by leveraging advanced technologies that accelerate innovation and transform the business. We bring an unparalleled blend of expertise and experience in advanced AI/ML techniques, scientific research and data, and business strategy. Enthought is headquartered in Austin, Texas, USA with additional offices in Tokyo, Japan; Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Zürich, Switzerland.

Learn more about us here.